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Brief Description
Vasuki Tal via Tapovan is a trek with unique visuals where you walk over glaciers for miles & camp at the foot of towering Himalayan peaks like Mount Shivling. The trek has the highest altitude of 4800 M at Vasuki Tal and is graded as moderate to challenging. The trek involves crossing many glaciers and boulders and that makes this trek really thrilling and different from other treks. En route you get stunning views of peaks that pose a challenge to mountaineers such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi I, II, III. The trail of Vasuki Tal Trek goes through Gaumukh - the source of mighty river Ganga and Tapovan - the gorgeous alpine meadow of religious significance for Hindus. Since this trek is still less explored, it gives the trekkers a unique chance of experiencing nature at its best. In order to Vasuki Tal Trek, you must have some prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas. The best time to do Tapovan and Vasuki Tal is May - June, and September - October. On this page, we have covered everything you need to know - Vasuki Tal Trek route map, itinerary, temperature and altitude charts, photos, and reviews.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrive in Gangotri
The only way to reach Gangotri is by road. One can start the road journey either from Dehradun but with a new route open now, reaching Gangotri via Dehradun is the faster option (around 242 Kms). Arrive at Gangotri by 3 PM. You will receive the detail of accommodation in Gangotri through an email from us. After reaching here, check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest. Evening can be utilized to explore the local market, temples, etc.
Acclimatisation in Gangotri
After driving up to 10000ft the last day, we will take a day off in Gangotri to acclimatise.
Gangotri to Bhojwasa (3792 Mts) via Chirwasa (3600 Mts). 14 kms trek.
We start in the morning, after breakfast to trek towards Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri, you may move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on the tree line. The entire trek till Chirbasa is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. We can have our pack lunch in Chirbasa. From Chirbasa, we trek further to Bhojwassa today. The trek is going to be moderate for the day. The terrain, after Chirbasa, becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. The entire trail passes through a dense forest till Bhojwassa. There is a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. A good place to camp for the day. Excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks to delight you in the evening.
Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts) - Tapovan (4463 mts). 13 Kms Trek
Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh' because, in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is ascent steep, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak, Tapovan is a very pleasant surprised spot with a large meadow complete with bubbling streams, wildflowers, and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder where Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Tapovan - Nandanvan (4340 mts). Trek 4-5 hrs.
On this day we head to Nandanvan via Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow till down and onto the glacier. From Gomukh turn towards Nandanvan (4340m) and steering on right one will be on top of the Gangotri glacier. The glacier runs between two ranges and the landslides make a layer of rocky moraine on the ice which makes the walking easier. The glacier walk is very slippery and a slight lack of concentration would be dangerous. Huge crevasses gaped here and there. After a walking, for about a kilometer there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks en route offer grips and footholds but many of them are deceptive too. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal (4880 mts) - Nandanvan. 12 kms Trek.
Morning trek along with Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasuki Tal, a beautiful base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady upward. After Exploring the area, trek back to Nandanvan. Arrive in 5-6 hours and overnight stay in tents.
Nandanvan - Cheerwasa (Trek 5-6 hrs).
Today, we will retrace our steps from Nandanvan to Cheerwasa. Camp in Cheerwasa for the night.
Cheerwasa to Gangotri. Trek 3-4 hrs.
After breakfast get ready to trek down to Gangotri. The descent is easy and one can reach Gangotri well before afternoon. We can use this day to visit the holy town of Gangotri which is one of the most famous and sacred destinations for Hindus, all over the world.
Leave from Gangotri to Dehradun.
Leave from Gangotri in the morning and reach Dehradun till evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Experience required
One should have at least 7-10 trekking days in the Himalayas in their kitty and have done at least one moderate plus level trek before. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
Hold your breath for 40 seconds
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch
Push Ups – 10
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The start and end point of Vasuki Taal is Uttarkashi. Dehradun is the best point to reach Uttarkashi. Though there are no buses from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, one can hire a shared taxi from Dehradun to Uttarkashi which takes about 5 hours to reach (150 km).
Dehradun is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport.
By Road:
You can take overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos available between Delhi ISBT and Dehradun. You can book your bus tickets online through https://utconline.uk.gov.in/ or any other bus services available. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 247 km. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Rail:
There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Dehradun like Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance.
By Air:
The nearest airport from Uttarkashi is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 180 km away from Uttarkashi. There are frequent flights between New Delhi and Dehradun. Make sure you have your flights booked well in advance.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Uttarkashi is a beautiful tourist point with so many places to see. Visit Vishwanath Temple, the oldest and most sacred temple located on the banks of Bhagirathi River. Kuteti Devi Temple is another highly regarded religious place in town. Manekari Dam is a concrete marvel of Uttarkashi. Experience the village life in Sangem Chhati, a half an hour drive from Uttarkashi district. National Mountaineering institute is also located in Uttarkashi.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
BSNL and Airtel have a good connectivity in this region. One can expect a network on these sims only till Gangotri or Gomukh on this trek.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
How to use basic mountaineering equipment like gaiters & microspikes
Ascending & Descending on snow
Basics of Mountain Sickness
Basics of Mountain Hazards
How to cross small water streams
How to cross large water streams
Basic principles of acclimatization
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
The best months to do Vasuki Tal trek are from May to June and September to October.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for text packing list.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The trek will start from Gangotri which can be reached by road and will end at Gangotri. We will trek to Gangotri in the end.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Gangotri is a small town of religious importance to the Hindus. One can find many temples here. Apart from the temples, this little town is very picturesque and beautiful on its own.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Vasuki Taal Trek is a difficult trek with the highest altitude of 4880 metres. The difficult terrains and the steep ascent make it a challenging expedition. This trek is appropriate for the seasoned trekkers and for those who have done moderate level treks before. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty. For the trek’s achieving more than 5000 metres, a person must have a prior experience of trekking at altitudes of 3700 metres.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch
- Push Ups – 10
- Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent.
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basics mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & descending technique on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Vasuki Tal Trek
If you want to push your boundaries and test your limits, then Vasuki Tal trek is the right choice for you. Since it is a tough trek, you must have some prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas. The trail of this trek is pristine and the campsites untouched. Vasuki Tal trek is relatively unexplored and gives the trekkers a chance to explore nature and enjoy its beauty.Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
We will stay in a guesthouse at Gangotri and camp during the rest of the trek.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We use four-season tents and the sleeping bags we use are rated from -15 to -20 degree celcius.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
The temperatures vary between 20 to 3-degree Celcius during the summer months.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
There will be snow.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A trek leader will be assigned to lead you on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
The trek will be from Gangotri to Gangotri.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
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Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for the expedition.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Meals during the trek (Starting lunch on Day 3 till Dinner on Day 8)
- Forest/Camping Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
- Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, Carabiners, Harness as required
- Experienced Trek guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common supply
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification and special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi
- 3 night hotel stay in Gangotri (twin or triple sharing) on Day 1, 2, and 8
Whats Not Included?
- Hotel Meals
- Journey meals
- Any kind of insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
10 Mountain features that must be a part of any trekker’s vocab!
Ritvij Kumar 25 March 2017
MOUNTAIN FEATURES THAT MUST BE A PART OF ANY TREKKER’S VOCAB!
While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go t
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